Cucumber Salad Caprese

When the Carolina sun gets high and supper moves to the porch, I crave the kind of dish that cools you down and lifts you up — just like this cucumber salad. It’s crisp, bright, and full of garden charm. I first made a version of this when we had too many tomatoes ripening at once, and my neighbor brought over a basket of fresh cucumbers from her backyard. With a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, it all came together in one simple bowl of summer magic.

Now, I reach for this cucumber salad every time I need something fresh and unfussy, whether it’s a lazy lunch or a Saturday night BBQ. It’s light but satisfying, and that soft mozzarella tucked between juicy cherry tomatoes and cool cucumber crunch? Y’all — it’s a bite of joy. You can even dress it up with basil leaves or enjoy it as-is for something that truly tastes like summer on a plate.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something delightfully crisp and calming about a fresh cucumber salad — especially one that doesn’t try too hard but still tastes like a dream. This dish fits just about every mood and moment. Whether you’re serving dinner alfresco on a weeknight or prepping ahead for Sunday’s cookout, it brings cool balance to the table.

This particular cucumber salad has a caprese flair that adds creamy mozzarella and sweet cherry tomatoes into the mix. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that takes just 10 minutes to prep and another 20 to let those flavors marry. And y’all, that marinade? A whisper of balsamic with just the right touch of dried herbs. It’s simplicity, upgraded.

Plus, you don’t need fancy equipment or a long grocery list to enjoy it. Just your freshest cucumber, a bowl, and maybe a sunny spot to enjoy each bite.

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Ingredient Overview

This cucumber salad celebrates texture, freshness, and bold summer flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:

• Cucumber: One large cucumber, peeled and fork-scraped for texture, then sliced and diced. This adds a satisfying, cool crunch.

• Cherry Tomatoes: About 1½ cups, quartered. They bring sweetness and juiciness to offset the cucumber’s snap.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Use 8 oz, either in small pearls or cut into chunks. This soft cheese gives your cucumber salad a creamy twist.

• Red Onion: Half of a large red onion, chopped fine. Adds sharpness and beautiful color contrast.

• Fresh Basil (Optional): A handful of torn leaves adds visual flair and bursts of flavor.

• Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: The base of your marinade — fruity, acidic, and just rich enough to coat everything evenly.

• Dried Oregano & Basil: One tablespoon of each dried herb adds classic Italian warmth.

• Salt & Black Pepper: A pinch or two, to taste.

Food Styling Tip: Serve your cucumber salad in a wide white bowl to let the colors pop, and top with extra basil leaves just before bringing it to the table.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start your cucumber salad by whisking together the marinade. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried basil, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Set it aside while you prep the vegetables — this lets the flavors deepen.

Step 2: Slice and Dice the Cucumber

Take one fresh cucumber, peel it, and run a fork down the skin to create a textured pattern. This helps the dressing cling better. Slice the cucumber thinly, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Place them into a large mixing bowl. The texture is a huge part of what makes this cucumber salad so special.

Step 3: Chop Tomatoes and Onions

Quarter about 1½ cups of cherry tomatoes and finely dice half a large red onion. Add both to the bowl with the cucumber. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, feel free to leave it out — your cucumber salad will still shine bright with flavor.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella

Slice 8 oz of fresh mozzarella into chunks or use pre-made mozzarella pearls for ease. Gently fold them into the mix, making sure they don’t break apart. This creamy element turns your basic cucumber salad into something that feels restaurant-worthy.

Step 5: Toss with Marinade

Pour your prepared marinade over the salad ingredients. Using a large spoon or clean hands, toss gently but thoroughly. You want every bite of your cucumber salad to be well coated with the herbed vinaigrette.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving. This helps the cucumber soak in the flavor and gives the cheese time to soften slightly. Your cucumber salad is now ready to impress — chilled, tangy, and fresh as can be.

Pro Tips

For a cucumber salad that holds up and stays crisp, always salt your cucumbers lightly before mixing. Just a quick sprinkle while they sit in the bowl helps draw out excess water without making them soggy.

Use a fork to score the cucumber skin. This little detail isn’t just pretty — it lets the marinade cling better, adding flavor to every bite. I learned that trick from my aunt at a family potluck, and it’s never failed me.

Choose fresh mozzarella over shredded. Those soft, pillowy pearls (or sliced fresh balls) blend better into the chilled salad. They also soak up the dressing beautifully.

Always let your cucumber salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. The flavors need a minute to settle into one another — don’t skip this part!

And if you’re prepping ahead, store the dressing separately. Add it right before serving to keep your veggies crisp. This works beautifully for events and picnics.

For more veggie-based ideas with juicy tomatoes, I recommend checking out this crustless tomato pie — it’s another bright way to bring summer produce to life.

Variations

There are so many delicious directions you can take your cucumber salad! Try adding sliced avocado for a creamy touch that makes it feel more like a full meal.

Want a bit of heat? A few thin slices of fresh jalapeño or crushed red pepper can perk up the entire bowl.

Swap the mozzarella for crumbled feta or mini bocconcini if that’s what you’ve got on hand. They each add a slightly different richness to the salad.

For a Mediterranean spin, throw in some kalamata olives and a spoonful of chopped parsley. Or turn your cucumber salad into a Greek-style delight with a dash of lemon juice.

And if you’re loving the tomato vibes, take a peek at this fresh tomato salsa recipe for another summer hit that pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber salad is best served slightly chilled, right after it’s had time to absorb all those herby flavors. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a juicy burger on a summer night.

Try plating it next to a slice of crusty sourdough or scooping it over a bed of arugula for a light lunch. Want a cozy soup-and-salad combo? It’s absolutely lovely alongside this fresh tomato soup — talk about a warm-weather comfort meal.

If you’re planning a potluck or backyard BBQ, double the recipe. Trust me, this refreshing cucumber salad vanishes fast when it hits the table. Kids love the mozzarella bites, and adults appreciate the balance of bold and bright.

No matter how you serve it, this simple dish has a way of becoming the centerpiece. It’s colorful, cool, and packed with flavor in every spoonful.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a garden party, prepping for the week, or just craving something crisp and delicious, this cucumber salad delivers every single time. It’s quick, easy, and a true celebration of fresh ingredients.

I hope you find joy and ease in making this dish. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a go-to — the kind you pull out again and again because it just works. And hey, if it brings your people together around the table, even better.

Hungry for more seasonal recipes like this cucumber salad? Browse the full collection over on my recipe hub — there’s something waiting for every craving.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!

And if you’re a fan of fresh ideas and beautiful food, don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest — it’s where the behind-the-scenes fun happens!